title: Transurethral visual laser ablation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia using a KTP/YAG laser.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transurethral visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) has been established as an alternative method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, most VLAP procedures utilize only a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Since a potassium-titenyl-phosphate (KTP) laser offers limited tissue penetration, KTP can be safely utilized to excise part of the obstructing prostatic tissue. This study assessed the interaction between KTP vaporization and YAG coagulative ablation to determine the safety and efficacy of VLAP utilizing a combined KTP/YAG treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty patients with bladder outlet obstruction secondary to BPH were treated with VLAP using a KTP/YAG laser. The laser light was delivered by an angle delivery device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most cases demonstrated a significant improvement in routine subjective and objective parameters (AUA symptom score, peak flow rate, average flow rate, and amount of residual urine). No significant complications relating to this procedure were reported, however, 4 patients experienced postoperative acute urinary retention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  KTP/YAG laser ablation of the prostate is safe and effective for the treatment of BPH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Japan.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Miki
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kojima
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nonomura
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsumiya
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kokado
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yoshioka
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takahara
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Okuyama
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D014563:Urodynamics